OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 25 at 8:45 AM

Boys

1. Clarkston 12-3: When Quinn Rosenburg shoots threes look out.

2. Avondale 10-6: What happened against North Farmington, Yellow Jackets???

3. Groves 11-4: Falcons still not a finished product, trying to figure out the Summit Academy loss.

4. Oxford 14-0: Wildcats have been rolling but they haven't had a close game yet.

5. Lake Orion 11-5: Dragons didn't have their best against Troy, good teams finds ways to win.

6. Farmington 12-4: Falcons have responded nicely since the M-24 trips.

7. Rochester 11-4: Falcons have been really impressing me lately.

8. Pontiac 8-5: Phoenix have their biggest test looming.

9. Ferndale 6-10: Eden Vinyard has been on a tear lately.

10. North Farmington 7-8: Raiders have been up and down lately.

11. Troy 7-8: Colts have been playing much better basketball lately.

12. Royal Oak 7-7: Something feels different about this Ravens team.

13. West Bloomfield 5-9: Lakers defense is still a major concern.

14. Bloomfield Hills 9-5: Blackhawks starting to turn things around.

15. Stoney Creek 7-7: Cougars haven't been able to put it together yet.

16. Adams 3-12: Highlanders have played a tough schedule, better than their record indicates.

17. Troy Athens 4-11: When Nate Appledorn shoots threes look out.

18. Ferndale University 7-8: Eagles will be fine despite tough loss.

19. Southfield Arts and Tech 5-11: Warriors have been an odd team to figure out.

20. Seaholm 1-13: This article by Hometown Life's Brandon Folsom explains the Maples. https://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/2025/01/23/birmingham-seaholm-boys-basketball-loses-to-lake-orion-65-46/77830883007/

21. Oak Park 4-5: Knights have been struggling lately.

22. Berkley 3-12: Bears are going through it right now.

23. Harper Woods 3-9: Andre Cast has a lot of potential for the Pioneers.

Girls

1. Clarkston 9-5: Brooklyn Covert is the key to the Wolves season.

2. Avondale 10-2: Sasha McClellan has been on a tear lately.

3. West Bloomfield 7-5: Sheridan Beal has been on a tear lately.

4. Rochester 8-3: Falcons may have found that guard in Taylor Parsons.

5. Stoney Creek 8-3: Merrick Schlawbach is the key to the Cougars season.

6. Lake Orion 9-5: Even when under the weather Izzy Wotlinski finds ways to score.

7. Seaholm 9-3: Maples no longer control their destiny right now.

8. Berkley 9-4: 74 points after a tough loss to Lake Orion, jeez.

9. Ferndale 5-7: Eagles lack of depth starting to become an issue.

10. Adams 6-6: Jordan Jarrell has been the key to the Highlanders success.

11. Oxford 4-9: Wildcats have been up and down lately.

12. Royal Oak 5-6: Ravens have lost a ton of close games lately.

13. Southfield Arts and Tech 7-5: Warriors defense is still an issue.

14. Ferndale University 7-4; Eagles clearly a better team than last season.

15. Troy Athens 6-7: Red Hawks are a classic Scooby Doo team.

16. Troy 3-8: Nadia Auger has been making an impact lately.

17. Bloomfield Hills 3-6: Brianna Young really carrying Blackhawks right now.

18. Groves 2-9: Falcons are really struggling right now.

19. Pontiac 5-3: Getting a week off should help the Phoenix.

20. Harper Woods 5-4: Can't really figure the Pioneers out right now.

21. North Farmington 4-9: Raiders got a nice win over Corunna.

22. Farmington 3-9: Falcons haven't been themselves as of late.

23. Oak Park 0-6: Knights really struggling right now.

Clarkston has a new Softball Coach.

Written Thursday January 23rd at 4:25 PM

Clarkston softball will have a new softball coach this spring.

The Wolves named Melissa Smythe as their new coach, she takes over for Coach Katie Smith who stepped down after going 7-25 last season.

Clarkston has not been the same softball program since the pandemic. The Wolves are 21-44 in three seasons, something that Smythe needs to turn around.

Smythe was the junior varsity coach at Clarkston for two years and has been coaching softball for 12 years according to the press release.

"Melissa is looking forward to coaching Clarkston student athletes at the Varsity level and continuing  the growth and development of the softball program while fostering a positive and supportive team culture" the press release said.

The Wolves will be in the Red with Division One runner up and arch rival Lake Orion, along with Oxford, North Farmington, Stoney Creek, Adams, Bloomfield Hills, and West Bloomfield. They will be in a district at Oxford that has Lake Orion, Oxford, Waterford Kettering, and Waterford Mott as well.

It will be really interesting to see what Smythe brings to Clarkston and can she be the one that turns the program around???

Here is the press release from X

https://x.com/CTownAthletic/status/1882491729582174457/photo/1

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 18th at 9:13 AM

Here are the top 23.

Boys 

1. Avondale 9-5: Yellow Jackets proving they belong in the Red.

2. Groves 10-3: Despite tough loss to Ferndale the Falcons will be fine.

3. Clarkston 11-3: It's great to see the Wolves play at Clarkston Junior High.

4. Oxford 13-0: Wildcats struggled a bit against Troy Athens, tough matchups await them.

5. Lake Orion 9-5: Zack Parks is a machine, ask Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.

6. North Farmington 6-7: Raiders need someone besides Rob Smith to step up.

7. Farmington 10-4: Falcons bounced back after two tough losses with a win over Oak Park.

8. Ferndale 6-9: Eagles climbing back after tough losses early.

9. Pontiac 7-5: Phoenix control their own destiny in the Blue.

10. Rochester 9-4: Wondering is Jake Tandy back???

11. West Bloomfield 5-8: Ah defense Lakers???

12. Stoney Creek 7-5: Cougars have been getting contributions from others lately.

13. Bloomfield Hills 8-5: Blackhawks seem to have figured some things out.

14. Troy 7-7: Congrats Mason Parker on 1,000 career points.

15. Adams 3-11: Have to admire the Highlanders heart and courage with what they went through.

16. Royal Oak 5-7: Ravens starting to get back to bad habits again.

17. Ferndale University 7-6: Eagles are a perfect Jekyll and Hyde team.

18. Troy Athens 3-10: Red Hawks have scored 53 points in two games, not good.

19. Seaholm 1-11: Maples are better than their record indicates, ask Troy.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech 4-10: Warriors got a much needed win against Wyoming Lee.

21. Oak Park 4-4: Knights are really struggling right now.

22. Berkley 3-10: Bears have really been struggling.

23. Harper Woods 3-8: Pioneers are really struggling right now.

 

Girls

1. Clarkston 8-5: Wolves showing their depth, why they could be tough to beat.

2. Avondale 8-2: Yellow Jackets have been humming recently.

3. Seaholm 9-2: Maples felt some adversity but have so far managed to overcome them.

4. West Bloomfield 6-5: Lakers starting to turn the corner.

5. Rochester 6-3: Congrats Alice Max on scoring 1,000 career points.

6. Stoney Creek 7-2: Cougars have been up and down recently.

7. Berkley 8-3: Bears have been looking really impressive.

8. Lake Orion 8-5: Dragons need someone besides Izzy Wotlinski to step up scoring wise.

9. Ferndale 4-7: Welcome to the Red, Eagles.

10. Oxford 3-8: Wildcats been building their depth despite tough losses.

11. Royal Oak 5-4: Ravens starting to turn things around since loss to Clarkston.

12. Adams 5-6: Horrible officiating doomed Highlanders in their loss to Harper Woods.

13. Southfield Arts and Tech 6-5: Defense is starting to turn around a little bit.

14. Ferndale University 6-4: Eagles are my most improved team this season.

15. Troy Athens 6-5: I can't figure the Red Hawks out.

16. Troy 2-8: Colts have been struggling, they are better than their record indicates.

17. Bloomfield Hills 2-6: Blackhawks have had things rough lately.

18. Groves 2-8: Falcons need that third scorer especially in the interior to step up.

19. Pontiac 5-3: Phoenix have won three straight, building some confidence.

20. Harper Woods 5-3: Pioneers starting to turn things around a little bit.

21. North Farmington 3-8: Raiders still grinding despite rough stretch.

22. Farmington 3-8: Falcons have had some struggles recently.

23. Oak Park 0-4: Not playing in a week but still 38 points in four games is rough.

Ferndale has their new Football Coach.

Written Tuesday January 15th at 8:30 AM

Updated Wednesday January 22nd at 11:45 AM

The Eagles have their new varsity football coach.

Ferndale named Donovan Jackson as their new coach. He takes over for Coach Erik Royal who stepped down in the offseason.

The move was confirmed by The D-Zone.

The Eagles lost a ton of senior leadership after making the postseason in Royal's final season with the program. They lost in the first round to Groves.

Jackson is a Ferndale Alum, having graduated in 2012. According to Maxpreps, he was the running back and defensive back for the Eagles. He also played at Detroit Loyola as well. He was an assistant at Detroit Cass Tech when they won the Division One State Championship last season.

Jackson will have a big challenge ahead of him at Ferndale, replacing a ton of talent and building program strength. It will be very interesting to see what Jackson brings to the Eagles. Also there has to be a transition period and it has to happen during the season.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

The tweet from The D-Zone

https://x.com/TheD_Zone/status/1878833678975123492

Girls Basketball Districts-Updated

Written Tuesday June 11th at 12:20 AM

Updated Friday February 28th at 8:55 AM

This article will be updated very often with the most updated information.

Here is the formula how the district works.

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2024-25/FINAL-BB.pdf?time=1738430848271

District 22 @ Livonia Stevenson

FARMINGTON

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

 

MATCHUPS:

5. FARMINGTON vs 4. Livonia Franklin

Winner plays 1. Farmington Hills Mercy

 

3. Redford Thurston vs 2. Livonia Stevenson

 

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

DARKHORSE: Redford Thurston

PLAYER ON SPOT: Aizlyn Albanese- Farmington Hills Mercy.

UPSET ALERT: Livonia Stevenson

 

ANALYST UPDATE: This district is pretty much set. Livonia Franklin and Farmington will meet as the four and five seeds in the first round while that winner plays Farmington Hills Mercy in what will be a really difficult matchup in the district semifinals. Livonia Stevenson and Redford Thurston are locked to play each other in the district semifinals. Overall no changes with the likely matchup being the Marlins and the Spartans in the district finals.

 

District 23 @ Detroit Renaissance

OAK PARK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Hamtramck

Warren Fitzgerald

 

MATCHUPS: 

5. OAK PARK vs 4. Hamtramck

Winner plays 1. Detroit Renaissance

 

3. Warren Fitzgerald vs 2. Detroit Mumford

 

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Detroit Mumford

DARKHORSE: Warren Fitzgerald

PLAYER ON SPOT: Ceniyah Williams- Detroit Mumford.

UPSET ALERT: Detroit Mumford 

ANALYST UPDATE: There are really no changes to this district when it comes to the seeds. Detroit Renaissance is locked into the top seed and will await Oak Park or Hamtramck in the district semifinals. The Cosmos have been in a bit of a funk but they have a chance to pass Warren Fitzgerald and not have to play on that Monday but the Spartans have played a more tougher schedule and they could give Detroit Mumford some fits in the district semifinals. Either way still no one is touching Detroit Renaissance.

 

 

District 24 @ Birmingham Marian

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

NORTH FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Birmingham Marian

 

MATCHUPS:

6. NORTH FARMINGTON vs 3. Birmingham Marian

Winner plays 2. SEAHOLM

 

5. GROVES vs 4. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Winner plays 1. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

 

FAVORITE: Seaholm

NEXT: Birmingham Marian

DARKHORSE: Southfield Arts and Tech

PLAYER ON SPOT: Ella Swanson- Birmingham Marian.

UPSET ALERT: Southfield Arts and Tech

ANALYST UPDATE: This district is pretty much insane at the moment. Seaholm has been in a funk which is really dangerous especially with Southfield Arts and Tech riding a boatload of confidence right now after their emotional win over Berkley. The Warriors have the top seed while the Maples have the second seed which is very uneasy with Seaholm's struggles which includes losses to Groves, Royal Oak, Wixom St. Catherine and Sienna, and Rochester. Birmingham Marian, Groves, and Bloomfield Hills are battling for the third seed which looks like it will be Birmingham Marian getting the third seed. Despite the Mustangs struggles they are the most dangerous team in this district. Whoever gets the three seed matches up with North Farmington who is locked into the six seed while Groves plays Bloomfield Hills. Both top seeds look vulnerable for upset by those who have to play on Monday. This is a wide open district, crazy things are very much likely.

District 25 @ West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

Lakeland

 

MATCHUPS:

5. Walled Lake Central vs 4. Walled Lake Northern

Winner plays 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys

 

3. Lakeland vs 2. WEST BLOOMFIELD

 

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Orchard Lake St. Marys

DARKHORSE: Lakeland

PLAYER ON SPOT: Amal Younes- Walled Lake Northern.

UPSET ALERT: West Bloomfield

ANALYST UPDATE: This could come down to the final weeks of the season. West Bloomfield had the top seed but Orchard Lake St. Marys past them which meant the Eaglets get the top seed and the Lakers have the two seed. Also the battle of Bougie Lake was really tight with Lakeland getting the three seed and Walled Lake Northern has to play on that Monday against Walled Lake Central. The Eagles have beaten the Knights twice this season. This should be a really interesting district.

District 26 @ Swartz Creek

OXFORD

Davison

Lapeer

Grand Blanc

Holly

Swartz Creek

 

MATCHUPS:

6. Holly vs 3. Davison

Winner plays 2. OXFORD

 

5. Swartz Creek vs 4. Lapeer

Winner plays 1. Grand Blanc

 

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Oxford

DARKHORSE: Davison

PLAYER ON SPOT: Alison Hufstedler- Oxford.

UPSET ALERT: Davison

 

ANALYST UPDATE: Grand Blanc is locked into the top seed but the battle between Oxford and Davison went to the wire. The Cardinals have the three seed and will see Holly before having to play the Wildcats in the district semifinals. Swartz Creek and Lapeer are locked into playing each other with the winner playing the Bobcats in the district. Overall it's going to come down between Davison and Oxford to settle who the two seed will be.

 

District 27 @ Clarkston

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

Waterford

 

MATCHUPS:

4. Waterford vs 1. CLARKSTON

3. LAKE ORION vs 2. AVONDALE

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Avondale

PLAYER ON SPOT: Charlotte Peplowski-Lake Orion.

UPSET ALERT: Avondale

 

ANALYST UPDATE: The district matchups are pretty much locked into play. Clarkston plays Waterford while Lake Orion will see Avondale in the district semifinals. This should be a really interesting district to say the least.

 

District 28 @ Stoney Creek

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

 

MATCHUPS:

6. Utica vs 3. STONEY CREEK

Winner plays 2. ROCHESTER

 

5. Romeo vs 4. ADAMS

Winner plays 1. Utica Eisenhower

 

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Rochester

DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower

PLAYER ON SPOT: Devyn Raymond- Utica Eisenhower.

UPSET ALERT: Utica Eisenhower

ANALYST UPDATE: This district has a chance for some movement. Utica Eisenhower is locked into the top seed in the district but the Eagles could also be the most vulnerable because of the lack of postseason experience and with the majority of their roster being freshman. Stoney Creek despite having home court has to be careful of Rochester who is locked into the two seed and the Cougars have Utica first. Adams is locked into the four seed which sets them up with Romeo in the first round which would be really interesting. Utica Eisenhower has a lot of confidence but the postseason is a different animal and the possibility of seeing Adams who beat them in the first round in overtime is very real at the moment in the district semifinals while Stoney Creek and Rochester would be a really interesting matchup as well in the district semifinals. Everything looks to be coming into play right now.

 

 

District 29 @ Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

BERKLEY

Warren Mott

 

MATCHUPS:

5. TROY vs 4. TROY ATHENS

Winner plays 1. BERKLEY

 

3. ROYAL OAK vs 2. Warren Mott

 

FAVORITE: Berkley

NEXT: Royal Oak

DARKHORSE: Troy

PLAYER ON SPOT: Maci Zeiter- Troy.

UPSET ALERT: Warren Mott

 

ANALYST UPDATE: This is starting to get really interesting. Troy Athens and Troy would be playing in the first round with the winner playing Berkley in the district semifinals. Royal Oak and Warren Mott battled for the two seed which means they would play each other in the district semifinals. The Ravens have home court despite having to wear black in the district semifinals. Either way the Bears are locked into the top seed. Troy is locked into the fifth seed but they just upset Utica Ford II to close the season. Troy Athens is the four seed in this district.  This is not what I would have expected before the season had started.

 

District 60 @ Hazel Park

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Center Line

Madison Heights Lamphere

 

MATCHUPS:

4. Center Line vs 1. FERNDALE

3. FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs 2. Madison Heights Lamphere

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Ferndale University

DARKHORSE: Center Line

PLAYER ON SPOT: Annaya Davis- Ferndale.

UPSET ALERT: Ferndale

ANALYST UPDATE: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Ferndale has the top seed in this district but the lack of depth will be worth watching. The Eagles would see the winner of Center Line in the district semifinals after Hazel Park dropped out of the postseason. Ferndale University and Madison Heights Lamphere are locked into the two and three seeds anf will play in the district semifinals. No changes to this district.

 

District 61 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park

St. Clair Shores South Lake

Warren Regina

Eastpointe

 

MATCHUPS:

5. Eastpointe vs 4. Harper Woods Chandler Park

Winner plays 1. Warren Regina

 

3. HARPER WOODS vs 2. St. Clair Shores South Lake

 

FAVORITE: Warren Regina

NEXT: St. Clair Shores South Lake

DARKHORSE: Harper Woods

PLAYER ON SPOT: Sami Thomas- Warren Regina.

UPSET ALERT: Warren Regina

ANALYST UPDATE: This district could be really interesting. Warren Regina has the top seed in the district and will await Harper Woods Chandler Park or Eastpointe in the district semifinals. Harper Woods and St. Clair Shores South Lake look to be locked into playing each other in the district semifinals. This should be a really interesting district as mentioned with three team possibly having a chance to win this district.

District 62 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Macomb Lutheran North

MATCHUPS:

5. PONTIAC vs 4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Winner plays 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

3. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs 2. Macomb Lutheran North

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

DARKHORSE: Macomb Lutheran North

PLAYER ON SPOT: CeCe Arico- Birmingham Detroit Country Day.

UPSET ALERT: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

ANALYST UPDATE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day is locked into the top seed in the district and will await Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood or Pontiac in the district semifinals. The Cranes and Phoenix are locked into the four and five seeds although there is an outside chance the Cranes could get the three seed although it's not likely. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood are likely to see each other in the district semifinals. Either way no one is touching the Yellow Jackets in this district.

MHSAA Districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2025-Districts

 

My Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkHUuPjwVag 

Boys Basketball Districts-Updated

Written Tuesday June 11th at 1:45 AM

Updated Saturday February 1st at 1:40 PM

These are the districts, they will be updated with the most updated information.

This is the bracket formula.

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2024-25/FINAL-BB.pdf?time=1738430715611

District 22 @ Livonia Franklin

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

 

MATCHUPS

6. Livonia Franklin vs 3. FARMINGTON

Winner plays 2. NORTH FARMINGTON

 

5. Livonia Churchill vs 4. Livonia Stevenson

Winner plays 1. Redford Thurston

 

FAVORITE: North Farmington

NEXT: Farmington

DARKHORSE: Redford Thurston

PLAYER ON SPOT: Avi Melster- North Farmington.

UPSET ALERT: Redford Thurston

ANALYST UPDATE: Redford Thurston has had an incredible season and is locked in for the number one seed. They could be staring at Livonia Churchill or Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals which would be a very interesting matchup. The Spartans won the season series but by a combined 10 points and it's always hard to beat a team three times and that team could upset Redford Thurston. The Farmington schools could be a huge problem for Redford Thurston pending if they can win their district semifinal matchup but the Farmington schools would play each other in the district semifinals if Farmington can get by Livonia Franklin in the first round. For Redford Thurston the possibility of having to see Farmington or North Farmington in a district final is not a good omen. Overall the Raiders are the favorite to win this district followed by the Falcons.

District 24 @ Groves

GROVES

SEAHOLM

OAK PARK

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Birmingham Brother Rice

 

MATCHUPS

6. SEAHOLM vs 3. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Winner plays 2. GROVES

 

5. OAK PARK vs 4. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Winner plays 1. Birmingham Brother Rice

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Brother Rice

NEXT: Groves

DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills

PLAYER ON SPOT: Greg Grays- Birmingham Brother Rice.

UPSET ALERT: Bloomfield Hills

ANALYST UPDATE: This should be a really interesting district in Beverly Hills which has a proven Red power and a proven Catholic League power which could meet in the district finals. Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills are locked to have a rematch while Southfield Arts and Tech has to play Oak Park in the first round. The Southfield Arts and Tech/Oak Park winner has Birmingham Brother Rice while the Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills winner has Groves in the district semifinals. This district still looks like it has Birmingham Brother Rice and Groves in the district final written all over it.

District 25 @ West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Lakeland

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

 

MATCHUPS

5. Walled Lake Northern vs 4. Lakeland

Winner plays 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys

 

3. WEST BLOOMFIELD vs 2. Walled Lake Central

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Walled Lake Central

DARKHORSE: West Bloomfield

PLAYER ON SPOT: Jayden Savoury- Orchard Lake St. Marys.

UPSET ALERT: Walled Lake Central

ANALYST UPDATE: This is a very interesting district which features the defending Division One State Champs. The battle of Bogie Lake (Lakeland vs Walled Lake Northern) is the first round matchup and it's a rivalry game. The Eagles and Knights split their season series but Lakeland has a big triple overtime win over Waterford Mott which is why they will be wearing white however Walled Lake Northern upset Walled Lake Central 35-32 recently. The winner will see Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. West Bloomfield and Walled Lake Central is going to be very interesting in the district semifinals considering the Lakers beat the Vikings 55-47 in this round last season and West Bloomfield has played a much tougher schedule. Whoever wins that game likely sees Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals in what will be a really tough matchup.

 

District 26 @ Lapeer

OXFORD

Lapeer

Davison

Grand Blanc

Swartz Creek

Holly

 

MATCHUPS

6. Holly vs 3. Swartz Creek

Winner plays 2. Grand Blanc

 

5. Lapeer vs 4. Davison

Winner plays 1. OXFORD

 

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Oxford

DARKHORSE: Davison

PLAYER ON SPOT: Luke Stoffan- Oxford.

UPSET ALERT: Swartz Creek

ANALYST UPDATE: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district final. Oxford and Grand Blanc are the top two seeds. Swartz Creek has the three seed which sets them up with Holly. The Dragons swept the season series from the Bronchos but it's always hard to beat a team three times in a season. It was Holly that upset Davison 48-47 last season in the district semifinals with that winner seeing Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. Davison will renew their rivalry with Lapeer where the Cardinals blew out the Lightning 70-43 in Davison with that winner seeing Oxford in the district semifinals. Oxford beat Davison 64-39 in November at the Ian Smith Gym. The Wildcats and Bobcats have shown vulnerabilities this season. The Cardinals are the X Factor in this district. It should be very interesting to see what happens.

 

District 27 @ Avondale

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

MATCHUPS

5. Waterford Kettering vs 4. LAKE ORION

Winner plays 1. Waterford Mott

 

3. CLARKSTON vs 2. AVONDALE

 

FAVORITE: Avondale

NEXT: Waterford Mott

DARKHORSE: Lake Orion

PLAYER ON SPOT: Tori Robinson- Waterford Mott.

UPSET ALERT: Waterford Mott

ANALYST UPDATE: This is the kiss of death district. Four teams have a chance to win this district.  Lake Orion is the four seed and will have to play Waterford Kettering in the first round on Monday with the winner seeing Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. Avondale and Clarkston are set to meet for a third time in the district semifinals. The Yellow Jackets beat the Wolves twice including a stunning 55-33 blowout in Auburn Hills but it's always hard to beat a team three times in a season. The Dragons match up pretty well with the Corsairs in the district semifinals if they can get by Waterford Kettering. Waterford Mott beat Lake Orion 50-32 in the district semifinals last season. The Corsairs have been riding a ton of confidence in the Lakes Valley Conference and they have a 59-51 win over Grand Blanc. This should be a fun district to watch.

 

District 28 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Utica

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

 

MATCHUPS

6. Utica vs 3. ADAMS

Winner plays 2. STONEY CREEK

 

5. Utica Eisenhower vs 4. Romeo

Winner plays 1. ROCHESTER

 

FAVORITE: Adams

NEXT: Rochester

DARKHORSE: Stoney Creek

PLAYER ON SPOT: Logan Pleasant-Rochester.

UPSET ALERT: Stoney Creek

ANALYST UPDATE: This should be a fun district to keep an eye on. Rochester is the top seed and they have home court which is an added bonus. Stoney Creek has the two seed but they are on shaky footing while staring Adams in the face. The Cougars beat the Highlanders 71-56 in December but Adams has played a tough schedule with life in the Red. The Highlanders have a rematch with Utica in the first round. It was the Chieftains that beat Adams 66-61 on their home floor in the district finals last season. Romeo has somehow been red hot winning seven of their nine games which included a 53-49 win over Stoney Creek. Utica Eisenhower is the fifth seed. The Eagles want another shot at the Bulldogs after Romeo won twice this season. The three seed might be the better path for Adams especially with the way Stoney Creek has been playing. The Falcons have the best chance to win the district with the way they are playing but Adams who beat Rochester 57-50 in the regular season is the most dangerous team in this district right now.

 

District 29 @ Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

BERKLEY

Warren Mott

 

MATCHUPS

5. Warren Mott vs 4. BERKLEY

Winner plays 1. ROYAL OAK

 

3. TROY ATHENS vs 2. TROY

 

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Royal Oak

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

PLAYER ON SPOT: Leo Penoza- Troy.

UPSET ALERT: Royal Oak

ANALYST UPDATE: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Royal Oak is the top seed and home court. Troy is the second seed and Troy Athens is the third seed which means they would see the Colts in the district semifinals. Warren Mott and Berkley will play each other in the first round on that Monday with the winner playing Royal Oak in the district semifinals. The Bears wouldn't mind playing the Ravens again considering they split their season series. The Colts have beaten their arch rivals twice this season but it's hard to beat a team three times. Troy is still the favorite to win this district but Royal Oak and Troy Athens might have a say.

 

District 60 @ Hazel Park

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park

Detroit Osborn

Detroit Pershing

Warren Lincoln

 

MATCHUPS

6. Detroit Osborn vs 3. FERNDALE

Winner plays 2. Detroit Pershing

 

5. FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs 4. Hazel Park

Winner plays 1. Warren Lincoln

 

FAVORITE: Warren Lincoln

NEXT: Ferndale

DARKHORSE: Detroit Pershing

PLAYER ON SPOT: DaMarion Bozeman- Warren Lincoln.

UPSET ALERT: Detroit Pershing

ANALYST UPDATE: The last two State Champions are in this district for the second straight year. Warren Lincoln beat Ferndale 66-44 in the district finals last season. The Abes are the top seed which means they would see either Hazel Park or Ferndale University in the district semifinals. The Vikings and Eagles are playing each other in the first round on that Monday. Detroit Pershing and Ferndale battled for the two seed which ended up with the Doughboys getting the two seed which meant the Eagles have to play Detroit Osborn in the first round with the winner getting Detroit Pershing in the district semifinals.Warren Lincoln is the favorite to win this district with the experience but Ferndale and Detroit Pershing could have says.

District 61 @ Eastpointe

HARPER WOODS

Eastpointe

Harper Woods Chandler Park

St. Clair Shores South Lake

Center Line

 

MATCHUPS

5. HARPER WOODS vs 4. Eastpointe

Winner plays 1. Center Line

 

3. St. Clair Shores South Lake vs 2. Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

FAVORITE: Center Line

NEXT: Harper Woods Chandler Park

DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores South Lake

PLAYER ON SPOT: Jyshawn Lucas- Center Line.

UPSET ALERT: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

ANALYST UPDATE: This is a very interesting district that features a couple of Wayne and Macomb County schools. Center Line has the top seed and has looked really good all season. Harper Woods Chandler Park has the two seed which means the Eagles will play St. Clair Shores South Lake in the district semifinals. Eastpointe has the four seed and has Harper Woods the first round. If the Shamrocks get by the Pioneers then they would play the Panthers in the district semifinals. Center Line is the favorite to win this district

 

District 62 @ Pontiac

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Macomb Lutheran North

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Madison Heights Lamphere

MATCHUPS

6. Macomb Lutheran North vs 3. PONTIAC

Winner plays 2. Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

5. Madison Heights Lamphere vs 4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Winner plays 1. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

 

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

NEXT: Pontiac

DARKHORSE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

PLAYER ON SPOT: Joe DeCasas- Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.

UPSET ALERT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

ANALYST UPDATE: This is going to be a really interesting district that played out to where each team was seeded. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Birmingham Detroit Country Day has the two top seeds. Pontiac has the three seed and has to play Macomb Lutheran North in the first round with the winner getting Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district semifinals. Madison Heights Lamphere and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood will play in the first round with the winner playing Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the district semifinals. It's a three team district, this should be really interesting to watch.

MHSAA Districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2025-District

 

My Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGppxGxIVq8

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 11th at 9:28 AM

Happy Wildcard Football Sunday, here are the top 23 for basketball for the week.

Boys

1. Avondale 7-5: Yellow Jackets got Clarkston after a rough district semifinal loss last season.

2. Groves 9-2: Falcons seem to have turned things around since their loss to Avondale.

3. Clarkston 9-2: Wolves will be fine despite loss to Avondale.

4. Oxford 11-0: Wildcats have gone unchallenged, will that change the second time around???

5. Lake Orion 6-5: Nate Guccione has been an X factor since not playing against Oxford.

6. North Farmington 6-6: Raiders are as good as Rob Smith takes them.

7. Farmington 9-4: It was a rough week for the Falcons.

8. Pontiac 6-5: JJ Claudio has been the real deal.

9. West Bloomfield 5-7: Lakers defense still an issue.

10. Ferndale 3-9: Talent is there for the Eagles, the results haven't been.

11. Adams 3-9: Highlanders have been really competitive despite record.

12. Rochester 7-4: Max Muhl has been playing with hair on fire lately.

13. Stoney Creek 6-4: Spencer Beckeman has been really consistent lately.

14. Royal Oak 5-5: I need to do a Tom Grossi video to describe the Ravens.

15. Bloomfield Hills 6-5: Blackhawks snapped a losing streak, could that turn things around???

16. Troy 5-7: Leo Penoza has been really good lately.

17. Oak Park 4-3: When the three ball doesn't go the Knights struggle.

18. Troy Athens 3-8: Red Hawks have struggled a bit, which is concerning.

19. Ferndale University 6-4: Eagles starting to put things together.

20. Berkley 3-7: Injuries have hurt the Bears lately.

21. Harper Woods 3-6: Pioneers have been up and down lately.

22. Seaholm 1-9: Maples are better than their record indicates.

23. Southfield Arts and Tech 3-9: Warriors have not been consistent lately.

 

Girls

1. Clarkston 5-5: If the Wolves find a third scorer besides Elliana Robak and Brooklyn Covert then look out.

2. Avondale 6-1: Yellow Jackets need to meet Tom Grossi.

3. Seaholm 7-2: Maples are fine despite loss to Dexter.

4. Stoney Creek 6-1: Cougars really haven't been challenged since the Walled Lake Northern game.

5. West Bloomfield 3-5: Lakers are as good as Sheridan Beal takes them.

6. Rochester 4-3: Could Taylor Parsons be that guard the Falcons are looking for???

7. Ferndale 4-5: Eagles have struggled on the defensive side of the ball the last two games.

8. Lake Orion 7-3: Dragons should make black their road uniforms.

9. Oxford 3-6: Wildcats have gone through a lot with fourth coach in six months.

10. Berkley 6-3: Bears still have a ways to go but they are getting there.

11. Adams 5-4: Reagan Jarrell is a game changer, imagine when Faith Zoldus comes back, look out.

12. Royal Oak 3-4: Ravens had it very rough against Clarkston.

13. Southfield Arts and Tech 5-4: Defense is still an issue for the Warriors.

14. Troy Athens: 5-4: Red Hawks are the perfect Scooby Doo team.

15. Troy 2-6: Welcome back Diamond Prince.

16. Ferndale University 5-4: Eagles didn't win a game last season.

17. Bloomfield Hills 2-3: Brianna Young is starting to get going.

18. Groves 2-6: Falcons are as good as Harlem Simpson takes them.

19. North Farmington 3-6: Raiders are very young right now.

20. Farmington 3-6: Falcons defense has been getting torched recently.

21. Harper Woods 3-3: Pioneers are back playing after a long layoff.

22. Pontiac 2-3: Phoenix have not played a game in 2025 yet.

23. Oak Park 0-4: 38 points in four games is not a recipe for success.

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Sunday January 5th at 9:00 AM

Happy new year to all. Here is the first top 23 for the basketball season for 2025.

Boys

1. Clarkston 8-1: Cole Charter was outstanding at North Farmington on Friday.

2. Groves 7-2: Falcons held to their lowest score of the season in loss to Avondale.

3. West Bloomfield 5-5: Lakers defense is still a problem.

4. Avondale 6-5: Maybe the Yellow Jackets do belong in the Red, ask Groves.

5. Oxford 9-0: Brennan Elling has really been the story for the Wildcats.

6. Farmington 9-2: Falcons playing team ball is a winning formula.

7. Lake Orion 4-5: Dragons need to get healthy and soon.

8. North Farmington 5-5: Raiders are 1-5 in their last six games.

9. Ferndale 2-9: Tough schedule has harden the Eagles but morale concerns me.

10. Adams 3-7: Highlanders have shown toughness and grit with everything they can't control.

11. Pontiac 4-5: Phoenix control their own destiny in the Blue.

12. Stoney Creek 5-3: Cougars might have found something.

13. Royal Oak 5-3: Ravens might have found something which is a good sign.

14. Troy Athens 3-6: Red Hawks have been playing much better.

15. Rochester 5-4: Max Muhl has really stepped up his game since the injury to Jake Tandy.

16. Bloomfield Hills 5-5: Something isn't right with the Blackhawks.

17. Troy 3-7: Colts need to find that Robin to Mason Parker's Batman and fast.

18. Seaholm 1-7: Maples have played better despite record.

& 19. Ferndale University 5-3: Eagles have struggled in their last three Blue games.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech 3-7: Warriors have been a hard team to figure out.

21. Berkley 3-5: Bears injury woes have hurt them.

22. Oak Park 2-2: Knights have been a hard team to figure out.

23. Harper Woods 2-5: Pioneers win over Fraser is huge at the moment.

 

 

Girls

1. Seaholm 6-1: Maples look to 2025 with high expectation.

2. Clarkston 4-5: Wolves record is very deceiving.

3. Avondale 5-1: Yellow Jackets look like the team to beat in the Blue.

4. West Bloomfield 3-4: Sheridan Beal has really stepped up for the Lakers.

5. Ferndale 4-4: Eagles morale and lack of depth concerns me.

6. Stoney Creek 4-1: Cougars have won four straight since the Walled Lake Northern disaster.

7. Lake Orion 5-2: If the underclassmen keep developing, look out.

8. Oxford 2-5: Wildcats got most of their team back despite rough start.

9. Rochester 3-3: Alice Max has been on another level lately.

10. Berkley 6-1: Bears could be that challenger to Avondale for the Blue.

11. Royal Oak 2-3: Ravens will be a team to watch in 2025.

12. Southfield Arts and Tech 4-2: Hopefully Warriors addressed the defense issues.

13. Adams 4-3: Highlanders will be fine when Faith Zoldus comes back.

14. Groves 1-5: Falcons got their first win under the Coach Jessica Duleba era.

15. Troy Athens 4-3: Red Hawks have been an odd team to figure out.

16. Troy 0-5: If Diamond Prince comes back look out.

17. North Farmington 3-5: Raiders young group is taking lumps but progress as well.

18. Bloomfield Hills 1-3: Blackhawks looking to 2025 with momentum.

19. Farmington 3-4: Falcons have showed some competitiveness.

20. Pontiac 2-3: Phoenix need to win over teams not with an Academy name on it.

21. Ferndale University 4-3: Eagles are playing much better, record shows it.

22. Oak Park 0-3: Knights will look to get 2025 on the right track.

23. Harper Woods 3-2: Pioneers off court issues still present.